BIKE METRA - the Village of Lisle

BIKE
TO
METRA
Your guide to bicycle
commuting to and from the
Lisle Metra Station
For many Metra commuters, riding a bicycle to the station
is feasible. Bike commuting offers some great benefits:
• Reduce the stress of finding vehicle parking and park closer to the trains
• Save money on gas and parking fees
• Play a part in helping the environment
• Get the daily physical activity we all need to be healthy and fit
• Start your day feeling mentally and physically better
This brochure offers you tips on how to begin bicycle commuting.
SELECTING A BICYCLE
Select the right bike for your commute. No need to compete
with Lance Armstrong! Use a bike that’s affordable and can
withstand the weather. Check that your seat and handlebars
are adjusted for a comfortable fit. Make sure your bike is
tuned up with fully inflated tires, working brakes, and smooth
shifting gears.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BIKE
Bike racks offer the best place to store your bike. There are
available bike racks located near the train station on the north and
south sides of the tracks. The majority of racks are located in the
commuter parking lot, south of the tracks, just west of the station.
When locking your bike:
• Secure any items or equipment that can be removed from
your bike, or else take it with you.
• Invest in a good quality U-lock and secure both the frame and
wheels, if possible. If using a cable lock, keep the cable tight so
it’s hard for thieves to cut.
• If the bike racks are full, lock your bike to something that
cannot be taken apart or easily lifted. No trees, please!
Metra allows bikes on many reverse commute, off-peak
hour, and weekend trains. Learn more at www.metrarail.com
or call 630-836-7000.
CLOTHING
Some bicycle commuters ride wearing their work clothes,
others change once they arrive at work. If changing at work,
roll clothes to minimize wrinkles and store them in a messenger
bag, backpack, bike basket or panniers. Another option: drive
once a week and bring a supply of clothes to work.
GOING GREEN AND STAYING CLEAN
• Ride at an easy pace.
• Fenders can keep water and mud off you.
• Showers may be available at work or a nearby health club
• Deodorant and baby wipes are inexpensive and are great
products to help you smell fresh and stay clean.
HOW TO STAY SAFE
• Bikes fare best when cyclists act and are treated like others
on the road.
• Ride on the right with the traffic flow and follow all signs
and signals.
• Ride predictably and in a straight line.
• When passing a parked vehicle, be alert for opening doors.
• Wear bright clothing and use lights on the front and rear of
your bike if riding at night or dusk.
• Always wear a helmet.
• Never assume a car recognizes your presence.
• Cycle defensively.
For more safe riding tips, visit www.bikelib.org.
BICYCLING JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!
The first few days may be rough and include forgotten items and
logistical challenges. Stick with it. As the days go by, you will get
into a routine and find ways to make the commute easy and fun.
You will also become more accustomed to riding in traffic and
handling yourself on the bike. In addition, you will feel good
about doing something healthy for yourself and the environment,
and you’ll lighten your mental load by not having to search for a
place to park your vehicle.

FINDING A ROUTE
Plan your bike route by using
this map or asking other cyclists
for advice. Avoid busy streets
whenever possible. Instead,
look for streets with low vehicle
traffic and speeds, good lane
width, and stoplights at busy
intersections. Try a test ride of
your route so you’ll know how
much time you will regularly
need, including the time needed
to park and lock your bike at
the station.
Loading your bike onto a
Pace bus can become part of
your commute − or serve as a
backup ride home if needed.
Find bus route information and
learn how to use bicycle racks on
buses at www.pacebus.com.
Olesen
Lacey
Ridgeland
Naper
Plank
Karns
Green Trails
LISLE METRA STATION
Old Tavern
Benedictine
Steeple Run
Abbe ywood
Lexington
Yender
Ohio
Golf View
Middleton
Schwartz
Burlington
Front
Forest View
ChicagoMaple
Naper
Naperville
Warrenville
88
Ogden
BENEDICTINE
UNIV.
College
Hobson
Leask
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Yackley
BurrOak
H.S.
Miles
34
PARK
Green Trails
Main
4 Lakes
Greene
MORTON
ARBORETUM
Front
Riedy
53
53
Warrenville
59th
Front
Kingston
88
Westview
Elm
Hitchcock
355
LEGEND
Trails
More Comfortable
Less Comfortable
Sidewalks
Railroad
Metra Station
Difficult Intersections
ABOUT THIS MAP
The map identifies on-road routes and off-road trails for
cycling to the Metra station. The roads shown in the network
are rated using three relative levels of cyclist comfort. These
ratings are to be used by adult cyclists who have at least a
moderate level of traffic tolerance. (Other cyclists may choose
other routes appropriate for their abilities.) As much as
possible, roads with lower traffic volume and speed, ample
width, and fewer stop signs are identified as preferred routes.
Intersections with stoplights are preferred for crossing the
busiest streets. Though many of the streets are less than ideal,
local cyclists judged them as the best available in the area.
NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER: Illinois traffic laws (625 ILCS 5/11-1502) apply to
persons riding bicycles. Bicyclists shall be subject to all duties applicable to drivers
of a motor vehicle. This map is published as an aid to bicyclists by the Village of Lisle,
Illinois and is not intended to be a substitute for a person’s use of reasonable care.
The Village of Lisle, Illinois makes no express or implied warranty as to the safety or
condition of the roads indicated to bicyclists for shared bicycle/motor vehicle use.
The unpredictable change of traffic, road, and weather conditions will require the
bicyclist to constantly review all routes for suitability. Thus bicyclists using this map
ASSUME ALL RISKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES for their own safety when cycling on
the routes indicated on this map.
CREDITS
Jon Cunningham Photography
League of Illinois Bicyclists, www.bikelib.org
Village of Lisle
925 Burlington Avenue
Lisle, Illinois 60532
www.villageoflisle.org
Published April 2010
LISLE
METRA STATION
BIKE
TO
METRA